Looking for the best places to invest in Northern Virginia? Northern Virginia, or NoVA, affectionately, generally refers to communities across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Its proximity to the federal government makes it home to wealthy government employees, tech companies, and government contractors alike. However, it also offers a high quality of life — from historical attractions, to entertainment, to the great outdoors; NoVA really has it all for anyone looking for that quintessential East Coast lifestyle. This high quality of life has attracted people to the region for some time now, and with the population rates rising, NoVA might just be the next best place for your future investment property. However, it is an expansive area with many different cities to choose from, some that investors may not even be aware of. In this article, we’ll list some of the best places to invest in Northern Virginia and what types of properties, neighborhoods, and price ranges you can expect there.
Fredericksburg
Where is it located?
Located off of I-95 near the Potomac river is the city of Fredericksburg, VA. Overflowing with historic charm, Fredericksburg is about an hour south of Washington, D.C., and is home to many museums and parks for residents to enjoy.
What types of properties are available?
Fredericksburg is full of A-class, single-family homes, ranging anywhere from 2-4 bedrooms, on average. The homes in this city are mostly new-builds but, given Fredericksburg's historic nature, there are plenty of historic homes available as well if you’re looking to take on a renovation project. The homes in Fredericksburg are priced about average for the NoVA area, and given the region's premium, it’s a great place for investors to get their foot in the door without breaking the bank.
What other benefits are there?
Given that it is decently far from D.C., the lower prices for the NoVA region are one of the greatest highlights for Fredericksburg. There is also an abundance of parks and greenspaces for residents to enjoy, as well as close proximity to the Potomac River. Even though it’s a smaller city, Fredericksburg still has plenty of entertainment options, and it’s not too far from a variety of other towns that residents can visit without hassle.
Leesburg
Where is it located?
Moving north, at the intersection of a few smaller highways, lies the city of Leesburg. Though it is still a bit outside Washington, D.C. (40 minutes to be exact), it is the ideal place for people looking to have a larger home, surrounded by picturesque nature scenes. Leesburg is also home to a small airport, Leesburg Executive Airport, for those looking to fly in and out of a smaller, less crowded locale.
What types of properties are available?
There’s a wide variety of property types available in Leesburg, namely A- and B-class, single-family homes, but there is also an abundance of new-build, stacked townhouses for investors looking to buy a new property and rent to multiple tenants at once. Most homes in the area range from around average to the A++-category in terms of pricing, so there’s opportunity for a range of investors here.
What other benefits are there?
The wide variety of property types and pricing is a huge draw for investors looking into Leesburg, however there’s plenty to draw residents in as well. There’s a plethora of local wilderness areas, such as Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park, and Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park. In addition to greenspace, there are a few golf courses in the area, which is great for hobbyists and businesspeople alike. Residents of the city also have access to an abundance of shops, dining, and entertainment options to explore, all while living within driving distance of the D.C. metro area.
Alexandria
Where is it located?
A bit closer to the bustling metro area of D.C. is Alexandria. Located approximately 15 minutes away from downtown and directly off of I-495, this city is popular for its historic charm, proximity to the Potomac River, and easy access to the entirety of the Northern Virginia area. Residents of Alexandria have access to everything a major city has to offer with the added benefits of greenspaces, golf courses, and plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
What types of properties are available?
Properties in Alexandria are largely A-class, single-family homes or apartments, but since the entirety of Northern Virginia is quite historic, there are definitely some charming older properties available. Given its proximity to Washington, D.C., the prices range from below average for NoVA in some neighborhoods, to significantly higher. This is great news, since the area is in high demand. You’re likely to be making a safe investment no matter your buy-in rate.
What other benefits are there?
Proximity to the city and the entertainment options are primarily why many residents enjoy living in Alexandria. But given that the majority of residents are young professionals, this means that there is a wide margin of renters looking for housing in the city. So, if you’re looking to invest in an affluent area, where most people rent their homes, Alexandria might just be the city for you.
Arlington
Where is it located?
Just across the river and only five miles away from central Washington D.C. lies the city of Arlington, VA. Favored by commuters for its quick, 15-minute drive to the capitol, Arlington is a hub for young professionals and families alike. The area is also home to Marymount University, so it’s a hot spot for the university’s student body as well.
What types of properties are available?
Due to its location, Arlington is one of the most popular cities in all of Northern Virginia. And a city with this much demand comes at a premium. While it’s possible to find neighborhoods where homes are priced more on average for the NoVA region, the majority of homes in Arlington are priced above average. Regardless of price, though, the affluence and history of the area is felt in nearly all the properties here. Most are A- and B-class homes, ranging from stacked townhouses, to single-families, to apartments.
What other benefits are there?
Ranked the second-best city to live in in America, it’s no wonder why Arlington is favored among Northern Virginia residents. Arlington schools are also ranked highly for the county, which is a major draw for families. This, combined with the abundance of parks, the thousands of university students eager for housing, and the general charm of the city make Arlington one of the best places for NoVA investors.
Fairfax
Where is it located?
The Fairfax area is a bit further out, approximately 30 minutes from the city center. Located next to a massive greenspace, it’s practically overflowing with parks and recreational spaces, such as Burk Lake Park, for residents to choose from. Fairfax is known as a suburban nature haven, providing locals with easy access to all the conveniences of the city as well as the great outdoors.
What types of properties are available?
Since this suburb is a bit further away from D.C., the property prices are more on par with what is typical for the Northern Virginia region. In some areas, they’re even lower than typical. The properties available are B-class, single-family homes and condos, with the typical row of stacked townhomes in the mix as well. Homes here are usually a bit older, but many of them are renovated, so there are some options depending on what each investor is looking for.
What other benefits are there?
From historic charm, to forests and greenspaces, Fairfax truly has it all. For residents, proximity to the capital and access to modern conveniences make this suburban nature haven an ideal place to call home. For Investors, the low property values make it an easy place to buy into the Northern Virginia market. But don’t worry, you’ll still enjoy strong demand and the potential for high returns.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Invest in Northern Virginia
Among the best places to invest in Northern Virginia, investors can expect to find mid-level, B- and C-class properties all the way up to those in the A++-class, which provides both more affordable options and higher income opportunities. Each area, at its own distance from the capital, also has its very own subculture. Investors can expect to find affluent neighborhoods, culturally rich and historical scenes, and suburban nature havens alike. Long story short: They each have their own unique pros and cons. To get the best feel for where you’d like to invest, it always helps to talk to an expert who has boots-on-the-ground knowledge and knows each neighborhood like the back of their hand. Our Northern Virginia team is always happy to help and answer any questions you might have. If you’d like to learn more about the Nashville market as a whole, including population insight, renal market trends, and more, download our Northern Virginia Market Deep Dive
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